Ann Wason Moore opinion: Gold Coast Marathon leading the way for runners in ‘running recession’ – Gold Coast Bulletin

That’s right. We need never worry about falling rates of interest or slowing growth because with our golden shores and crystal waters, there’s no way we can ever go backwards.

No, I’m not talking about the economy, but the very real “running recession’’, with new research showing that support for marathons and street racing events is literally running low.

Global participation in race events — 5km, 10kms, half marathons and marathons — decreased by 13 per cent during the past two years, according to the 2019 State of Running report.

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Yet while the rest of the world struggles with this new GFC (Global Fitness Crisis), our city is striding forwards, with huge numbers expected for this weekend’s Gold Coast Marathon.

In fact, this is set to be our biggest race in event history, with record numbers of overseas runners signing up.

And while the reasons behind the Running Recession may prove worrisome for events across the world, we should be feeling pretty damn smug because when it comes to race trends, we are the new pacesetters.

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According to the report, there are multiple reasons for declining levels of participation and general interest in running, one of them being that it’s no longer a big deal to run a marathon.

Personally, I’d sooner eat a poisoned gecko than run 21km, let alone a full 42km course — you runners are legit crazy.

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But I have to admit the number of people I know who have actually accomplished one or both of these events is quite large.

As a result, running a marathon no longer carries the bragging rights it once did. Everyone does it, so it’s no longer special. (But listen, I’m still impressed, guys.)

Fortunately, the Gold Coast Marathon offers so much more than simply running a ridiculously long distance.

While a marathon may no longer make it on the average bucket list, a beachside track Down Under is guaranteed to grab some social media attention.

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And although it’s a little sad to admit that’s important, it is.

In fact, according to the report, the running industry has been too slow to adapt to the changing market.

Participants are no longer chasing the high of a personal achievement, but are all about the “experience’’.

How very millennial.

“The motives for running are potentially changing, and the races have not picked up on this trend,” says the report.

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“(There is) growth in the experience economy rather than achievement motives. This is very important, we think, and we think that the industry hasn’t been good enough at adjusting their races.”

But that’s exactly why our event is leading the pack.

When it comes to experiences, how can you possibly beat the Gold Coast?

We don’t just offer a professional race but a bucket-list location. Come for the race, stay for the city.

In fact, in more good news for the Gold Coast, while general participation in running events might be declining, the number of people who travel to an event is actually increasing.

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And then there’s the fact that we already have the perfect population to support this event. We’re a city that thrives on physical activity, so why wouldn’t we host a successful street race?

Sure, the only marathon I’m planning involves Netflix and popcorn, but I’m married to someone who is part of this sporty subculture.

He’s been training for months and tells me our streets are filled with like-minded neighbours pounding the pre-dawn pavement.

And tomorrow, I’ll be up bright and early alongside them, ready to cheer them past the finish line.

Who knows? If I like the “experience’’, maybe — just maybe — I’ll join them next year.

Together, we can pull the world out of this recession.